Ask HN: How is the culture in Amazon and Apple Bay area

I am planning to move from semiconductors to one of the big internet companies. I have mixed feelings about joining Amazon and Apple. I hear the pay may be good but the quality of life will be poor.

Can someone here comment on working conditions in these two companies? I would appreciate if you can comment on Amazon India also, as I am open to moving back to there, in case my green card doesn't pan out.

Reason for switching: I am in Electronic design automation, Here for a fresh graduate, the company pays $85k while VMware, Aruba networks etc pay $105k. This to me tells that the industry is stagnant. I believe GOOG, APPL and AMZN are pay masters in silicon valley. I am 10yrs experience and am hovering around $130k plus bonus.